A growing number of Canadian employers are offering more than just parental leave top-ups, with new data showing expanded benefits such as eldercare resources, reproductive assistance, and flexible work arrangements aimed at helping workers manage complex family responsibilities
Nearly three-quarters of applicants to this year’s Canada’s Top 100 Employers competition now offer maternity or parental leave top-ups, according to Mediacorp Canada Inc., which released its annual list of Canada’s Top Family-Friendly Employers on Tuesday.
“To distinguish themselves, employers are offering a wider range of family-friendly benefits,” said Kristina Leung, managing editor at Mediacorp. “From assistance with adoption and IVF to flexibility in allowing employees to take care of family obligations in work hours, we see employers extending their family-friendly benefits beyond just the traditional maternity and parental leave top-up pay.”
The designation highlights organizations that support employees navigating both childcare and eldercare responsibilities. The trend is being driven in part by workers who find themselves caring for children while also supporting aging parents.
Shift toward inclusive and flexible supports
Leung said this year’s recipients stood out for benefits like gender-neutral top-ups for parental leave and improved compassionate leave options. Some employers now offer paid time off and support services for staff caring for ill or aging relatives.
“These programs are designed to provide relief to employees who may face multiple demands on their time from family, besides their work responsibilities,” said Leung.
The evaluation criteria also considered assistance with adoption and fertility treatments, academic bursaries for employees’ children, and flexible work policies such as earned days off and personal leave.
Long-running recognition program
Now in its 24th year, the Canada’s Top Family-Friendly Employers competition is part of the broader Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. The list is curated by the editors at Mediacorp and aims to highlight best practices across industries in supporting work-life balance.
Founded in 1992, Toronto-based Mediacorp Canada Inc. publishes employment-focused periodicals and operates Eluta.ca, one of the country’s largest job search engines.
Who made the list for 2025?
- Bank of Canada
- Bell Canada
- Boston Consulting Group Canada ULC
- British Columbia Investment Management Corp. / BCI
- Canada Energy Regulator
- Carleton University
- Danone Canada
- Dentons Canada LLP
- Employment and Social Development Canada
- Export Development Canada
- Fidelity Canada
- HarperCollins Canada Ltd. and Harlequin Enterprises ULC
- Hospital for Sick Children, The
- Nasdaq Verafin
- Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.
- SAP Canada Inc.
- Simon Fraser University
- Stryker Canada ULC
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. / TMMC
- Vancouver City Savings Credit Union
